The Miami Heat, out of necessity, had to play Mario Chalmers and Shabazz Napier for large stretches of the second quarter during games in the beginning of the season.
Generally, Napier would come in at the end of the first quarter or for the rest of the second quarter, to give Dwyane Wade a break. Doing so would provide a three-man rotation for the team due to a lack of guard play on the roster. Danny Granger would play at times, but really, he was more of a small forward and he would eventually be traded.
This would give Miami its worst guard combination since Chris Quinn played for the Heat. During this time, Miami was dead last in pacing, and even though defensively, they were among the top teams in points allowed, they were also one of the worst in defensive efficiency. The Heat averaged fewer points scored than points allowed. There needed to be a change.
Eventually, the Heat traded for Goran Dragic and then the dynamic changed. Things were different for the Heat roster, and Shabazz Napier never really saw much playing time.
The Heat were able to rotate Dragic, Wade and Mario Chalmers. But now that Napier isn’t playing much, it would be interesting to see the Heat try to flip him for some other piece that they might need. They would have the ability to trade him for possibly another player, or they might be able to flip him for a draft pick.
The best thing to utilize Napier for is nabbing another wing player. Someone who could step in and defend well in rotation for Luol Deng. The likelihood is that Miami, assuming they get their top-10 protected pick, will use it to get a power forward-like player. Someone like Sam Dekker or, if possible, Justise Winslow. Napier can be used as trade bait to receive someone else as well, such as Ryan Hollins of the Sacramento Kings. The Heat wouldn’t be able to receive a lot for Napier, but would benefit from a roster change.
The Heat need to have more depth in their “bigger” positions, such as their forward and center positions. They struggled last season in the second and specifically the third quarters when they have not been able to score with the second units.
Miami isn’t sure whether Dragic will be re-signing with the team, but if they are able to trade Napier, then the team will be helped in the second unit. Either way, the team needs defense, because defensively the Heat aren’t very good. And that is with Hassan Whiteside and Luol Deng on the court.
The Heat should look into trading away Napier, who wasn’t able to provide much on the court for the team, and after the Dragic trade, didn’t play too much until going down for the rest of the season with an injury. This next season is a big season for the team, because it will be Wade’s last year on his contract, and Deng’s last year in his contract.
If the team is going to come together for a run at a championship it will be next season. Trading Napier would be the best thing to do to get a better frontcourt.
Next: NBA Awards Watch: Final MVP Pick For 2014-15
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